I know that a child's interpretation isn't always how things were intended, so I've been trying to keep that in mind. My Jaden is a reader. He loves it! He wakes up early to read, reads during errands, and reads at night. He typically reads at least 2 hours/day.
He came home from school the other day and said this:
"Mom, you know how last year we used to write how long I ACTUALLY read? Like - all of the hours? I think this year, we should only write '30 minutes.' Someone asked our teacher if we should write 2 hours if we read that long (instead of the required time) and she said we should never do that, but we should go outside instead."
"Mom, you know how last year we used to write how long I ACTUALLY read? Like - all of the hours? I think this year, we should only write '30 minutes.' Someone asked our teacher if we should write 2 hours if we read that long (instead of the required time) and she said we should never do that, but we should go outside instead."
Mind you... he also spends hours outside, but reading is definitely one of his favorite pastimes.
So - the teacher may have been trying to stress the importance of playing too, but it left my 9-year-old feeling embarrassed about reading "too much." I don't think a child should ever feel like that. Thoughts?
UPDATE: Thank you to everyone for your feedback! I felt so supported in my worry, but also had people helping me feel less worried about it too. Thank you! Here's what I heard from followers on Facebook and Instagram:
Kaylene Murray Nope reading is good. Better than tv or video games. As long as he plays outside sometime nothing wrong with reading. I think I would talk to the teacher. Possible kids are lying about how long.
Jordan Trejo 
😕 this makes me sad. Yes going outside and playing is important (I was a PE teaching major) but if he's making the most of errands time and at night and still active he should get to spend his free time the way he likes (especially with something as beneficial as reading!).
😕 this makes me sad. Yes going outside and playing is important (I was a PE teaching major) but if he's making the most of errands time and at night and still active he should get to spend his free time the way he likes (especially with something as beneficial as reading!).- amberlenoraI don't love that AT ALL!!!
- charlene.pinpinHmm, definitely have the same feeling 😐 ...a child that reads, especially a boy (!) is an AWESOME thing!! I don't agree with her response at all. I'm sorry she made him feel as if he should "hide" his love of books. It would bug me too...just know, you've done an amazing job getting your kids to love reading! I'm hoping my son reaches that point! 📚❤️
- mmatesenWhat a strange thing for a teacher to say. He should be rewarded for his love of reading! Reading improves every aspect of your life!
- rehloilsI think she needed to explain it better. Kids take everything to heart and to think one flip comment could feel like he needs to hide his reading is sad
- kaycieqI'd be upset too. Who knows what she actually said, but since that's how Jaden took it, she should have definitely worded it differently.
- mrscallscandyI say we don't tell kids what they should like doing and let them each decide for themselves! If he likes to read, let the boy read!
- amomstakeI have an avid reader and I think it's all about balance. I think it is strange a teacher said that though.
- madelinecasey_I was just like him when I was little! But he shouldn't be embarrassed. Reading is one of the best things he can be doing! Especially if he is going outside too 😊
- lacy.eileenAw poor guy! It's great that he loves to read so much.
- janicetwitchellMy 9 year daughter is the same way. She could read all day and not mind. But she also spends tons of time outside so I don't see any harm.
- fitmissioncompleteWwwooowww! Those books! You're all amazing!! THAT you should be proud of!
- laurenjparryI wish I enjoyed reading that much!
